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Latest update: 12 May 2023
Mérida is the cultural capital of the Yucatán region in Mexico. The city is bursting with cultural activities, most of which are free. With these 12 free activities in Mérida, you have a well-filled program for a few days.
I love Merida! I’ve been there twice now, and I would have liked to stay a little longer each time. The atmosphere is laid-back, the weather is almost always fantastic, and the city has so much to offer. AND! There are a lot of activities and sights that you can do for free in Mérida in Yucatán. Love it!
Tip 1 – Join a city tour in Mérida (or explore the city on your own)
Mérida is a lovely city to walk around in. It is not nearly as massive and touristy as Cancún, for example. It feels like a big village and very safe.
Mérida was founded in 1542 on the remains of an ancient Mayan city (T’ho). The rich colonial past blends perfectly with the modern world. You will find yourself on the Paseo de Montejo from 1888, a vast boulevard with gigantic European 19th-century houses (and a Starbucks). If you walk a bit further towards the center, there are narrow streets and large squares with cathedrals and colonial houses to marvel at.
![Mansion' on Paseo de Montejo](https://i0.wp.com/kimopreis.nl/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Mansion-Paseo-de-Montejo-Merida.jpg?ssl=1)
![Graffiti in Merida](https://i2.wp.com/kimopreis.nl/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/graffiti-merida.jpg?ssl=1)
![Pink flowers Merida: detail shot of pink flowers with a light blue faded background](https://i0.wp.com/kimopreis.nl/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Roze-bloemen-Merida.jpg?ssl=1)
![Colorful Mérida has many photogenic details: detail of a pink wall with green railings in the windows](https://i0.wp.com/kimopreis.nl/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Kleurrijk-Merida-Mexico.jpg?ssl=1)
![Old Beetle in Merida: yellow Beetle parked in front of a blue-green wall](https://i1.wp.com/kimopreis.nl/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Oude-kever-Mexico-Merida.jpg?ssl=1)
![Walking Merida: colored houses on the street with white details](https://i1.wp.com/kimopreis.nl/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Wandelen-Merida.jpg?ssl=1)
Would you like to do a walking tour? You can also do that for free in Mérida. Every day at 10 a.m., one starts on Plaza Grande. You can reserve online. You are supposed to give a tip, by the way. Not completely free after all. 😉
If you don’t mind spending some money, there is also a paid walking tour or a city tour on a bus.
![Old Volkswagen Beetle in Mérida: rusty dark green Beetle](https://i0.wp.com/kimopreis.nl/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Volkswagen-Kever-Merida.jpg?ssl=1)
![Old houses with balconies in Mérida: houses of stone with only some parts painted, the balconies have black spots as if they had once been on fire](https://i1.wp.com/kimopreis.nl/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/huizen-merida-mexico.jpg?ssl=1)
Tip 2 – Hunt for antiques
There are many antique shops in Mérida. If I should believe Google, there are no fewer than 35 scattered all over the city. The shops are usually tiny spaces with everything stacked on top of each other and where you have to actively look for the gems. However, I score my favorite souvenir at Galeria de Arte Antigüedades: a license plate. You can find more information about specific antique shops on the Cultures Traveled blog.
![Antique shop in Merida, Mexico: light blue building with a wooden door and various items displayed on the sidewalk](https://i0.wp.com/kimopreis.nl/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Antiekwinkel-in-Merida-Mexico-1024x768.jpg?resize=770%2C578&ssl=1)
Tip 3 – Visit the zoo
Even the zoo in Mérida is free. I am a bit skeptical when I enter: are the animals well cared for? How small are the cages? But then, I am pleasantly surprised: it all looks impeccable, and security is paying close attention. I can’t even bring my water bottle inside because I might want to give it to the animals. The zoo has everything from giraffes, exotic birds, hippos to… rabbits? Oh, why not?
![Feeding time for zebras at the Mérida zoo: the keeper feeds a herd of zebras](https://i2.wp.com/kimopreis.nl/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Voedertijd-merida-mexico-dierentuin-1024x768.jpg?ssl=1)
![Giraffe in the free zoo of Mérida: a giraffe rubs against the fence, on the other side is a camel](https://i1.wp.com/kimopreis.nl/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Giraffe-gratis-dierentuin-merida-1024x768.jpg?ssl=1)
![Rabbits in the Mexican zoo](https://i0.wp.com/kimopreis.nl/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/konijnen-mexicaanse-dierentuin-1024x768.jpg?ssl=1)
![Bird with crested and yellow beak in the zoo of Mérida](https://i2.wp.com/kimopreis.nl/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Dierentuin-Merida-Mexico-vogel-1024x768.jpg?ssl=1)
![Curious parrots in the zoo of Mérida: pair of two green parrots stick the beak through the fence](https://i1.wp.com/kimopreis.nl/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/papegaaien-dierentuin-Merida-1024x768.jpg?ssl=1)
A day at the zoo is a good idea, especially with children. The zoo is located in Parque Centenario, which offers a lot of fun and entertainment for the kids (train rides, pony rides, trampolines, etc.). If you’re not traveling with kids, go to the zoo on a weekday or very early on the weekend. That saves some screaming children around you. 😉
![Small funicular for the children zoo Mérida: small funicular over a pool of water](https://i0.wp.com/kimopreis.nl/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Mexico-dierentuin-Merida-1024x768.jpg?ssl=1)
![The line for the Mérida zoo train: a long line of people at the attraction](https://i1.wp.com/kimopreis.nl/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/treintje-dierentuin-Merida-1024x768.jpg?ssl=1)
Tip! It’s a long walk to the zoo. A taxi ride from the center costs about 30 pesos. You can just order an Uber in Mérida. Have you never used Uber? Then you get a 5 euro discount via this link (and you, in fact, drive to the zoo for free).
Tip 4 – Visit the Museo de Arte Popular de Yucatán
The Museo de Arte Popular de Yucatán is a small museum of folk art, folklore. Upon entering, I have to write down my name, and I get a short explanation about the museum. Inside I find a collection of popular Mexican art, such as ceramics, weaving, ritual objects, and more. All information is also available in English. And, once again: it’s free.
![Museo de Arte Popular de Yucatán: exhibition space with a showcase](https://i1.wp.com/kimopreis.nl/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Museo-de-Arte-Popular-de-Yucatan.jpg?ssl=1)
![Museo de Arte Popular de Yucatán toilet visit: two fake tigers are drinking at the toilets](https://i1.wp.com/kimopreis.nl/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Museo-de-Arte-Popular-de-Yucatan-toiletbezoek.jpg?ssl=1)
Tip 5 – Cheer at the Mayan ball game
I have been traveling through Mexico for a while when I get to Mérida and have already seen the playing fields for the ball game at several Mayan ruins. With a little explanation from a guide and some help from Google, I have a reasonable idea of what that must have been like. In Mérida, I can finally really see it! Every Wednesday evening, there is a show at Plaza Grande, in front of the cathedral. A group of tough men shows how the game, Pok ta Pok, used to be played. Fully dressed up. An announcer explains the ritual, meaning, and game. The men go for it, and the audience clearly sympathizes: many “ooh’s” and “ah’s”. When it’s over, you can have your picture taken with the players.
![Maya ball game Mérida: get a photo with the heroes of the ball game.](https://i1.wp.com/kimopreis.nl/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Maya-ball-game-Merida.jpg?ssl=1)
The stands are already filling up from Wednesday evening around 7 o’clock, while the ball game only starts at 8 o’clock. So just make that 8:30, Mexican time, huh?
Tip 6 – Visit the MACAY museum
This museum has no fewer than three names: Museu Fernando García Ponce, MACAY, which is the abbreviation for Museo de Arte Contemporáne o Alteneo de Yucatán. Well, isn’t that convenient? I walk past the museum several times as I’m confused with the names. So: the building on the right in the passage from Plaza Grande is the one you’re looking for. The MACAY museum focuses on modern art. There are some permanent displays, and the temporary exhibitions change every three months. A museum like MACAY wouldn’t look out of place in a city like Amsterdam: it really is high quality. Another excellent free recommendation for your stay in Mérida.
![Modern art in the MACAY museum](https://i0.wp.com/kimopreis.nl/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/moderne-kunst-museum-MACAY-Merida-1024x768.jpg?ssl=1)
![MACAY Mérida: exhibition space with some paintings](https://i0.wp.com/kimopreis.nl/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/MACAY-Merida-1024x768.jpg?ssl=1)
Tip 7 – Visit the Noche Mexicana
Every Saturday at the beginning of the Paseo de Montejo, there is a Noche Mexicana. I like that it seems to be mainly Mexicans who come to enjoy the show. The host is an older man in a white cowboy suit – love it. There is singing, there is dancing, and there are many food stalls. Definitely worth checking out.
Tip! Get your hands on the free Yucatan Today magazine. It lists all free events with the current times.
Tip 8 – Cycling on Sunday during the Biciruta
Every Sunday, Mérida closes part of its streets to give cyclists, skaters, and walkers plenty of space. Between 8 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., Calle 60 (from the center) and Paseo de Montejo form Biciruta. Of course, you can also rent a bicycle here. At Telcel, the bicycles are free. You might be able to get your hands on a few unique bikes, such as double bicycles, unicycles, and tandems. Walking is also perfectly fine. There are many performers along the streets, so you can enjoy live music, people selling art, magicians, and much more.
![Street closed off during Merida's Biciruta: girl cycles past a traffic sign](https://i0.wp.com/kimopreis.nl/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Merida-Mexico-Biciruta-1024x768.jpg?ssl=1)
![Biciruta is also popular among pedestrians and dog owners: people meet on the street](https://i1.wp.com/kimopreis.nl/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Biciruta-is-ook-geliefd-onder-voetgangers-en-hondeneigenaren-1024x768.jpg?ssl=1)
![Double bike in Mérida: two adults and two children on 1 bike](https://i0.wp.com/kimopreis.nl/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Dubbele-fiets-Merida-1024x768.jpg?ssl=1)
![Biciruta Merida free](https://i0.wp.com/kimopreis.nl/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Biciruta-Merida-gratis-1024x768.jpg?ssl=1)
Tip 9 – Visit Mérida’s antique market on Sundays
Okay, don’t expect too much from this market. The small antique market at Parque Santa Lucia consists of no more than ten stalls (rounded up). When I’m there, there are mostly books on display. Nice for a lightning visit or the real enthusiast. But hey, if you participate in the Biciruta, then you are already close. So you might as well come and have a look, right? Every Sunday from 9 am.
![Parque Santa Lucia: small park with two huge seats to promote the city](https://i0.wp.com/kimopreis.nl/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Parque-Santa-Lucia-Merida-1024x768.jpg?resize=770%2C578&ssl=1)
Tip 10 – Receive a serenade on Thursday
On Thursday evenings, the seats fill up quickly at Parque Santa Lucia. Serentas Yucatecas starts at 9 in the evening. It’s a show full of local dance and music. If you get there early, you still have a seat in the stands or grab a chair at one of the cafes. Since 1965, a Serenata has been organized every Thursday.
![Serenade op donderdag Merida: overzicht van het publiek en het podium](https://i0.wp.com/kimopreis.nl/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Serenade-op-donderdag-Merida-1024x768.jpg?ssl=1)
Tip 11 – Visit Museo Casa Montejo and see the light show
The Museo Casa Montejo is located in a stately 16th-century building. Once it belonged to the Montejo family, now you can go in to see some of the furnished rooms for free. They are completely furnished in the old style.
![Casa Montejo Merida: salmon-pink foyer with antique furniture](https://i2.wp.com/kimopreis.nl/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Casa-Montejo-Merida.jpg?ssl=1)
![Dining table in Museo Casa Montejo: long dining table in a room with lots of carvings](https://i1.wp.com/kimopreis.nl/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Eettafel-in-Museo-Casa-Montejo.jpg?ssl=1)
![Museo Casa Montejo Merida: large, wooden display cabinets with books and jars and a few seats in front of them](https://i0.wp.com/kimopreis.nl/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Museo-Casa-Montejo-Merida.jpg?ssl=1)
A free show takes place on and in front of the museum on Saturday evening. A light show is displayed on the facade objects, and actors portray the story of the Montejo family. Then there is a traditional dance. You also need to arrive on time if you want a seat. People are already there more than an hour in advance.
![Mérida Cultural Programme: Dancers in Traditional Dress](https://i1.wp.com/kimopreis.nl/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Cutlureel-programma-Merida.jpg?ssl=1)
![Montejo performance Merida: in the window of the building, a man is performing; to his left, his text in English is projected on the wall](https://i1.wp.com/kimopreis.nl/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Montejo-voorstelling-Merida.jpg?ssl=1)
Tip 12 – Visit the Mérida market
Mérida has a reasonably sizeable market to feast your eyes on. This is the Mercado San Benito. The Mérida residents come to do their shopping. Nice to take some pictures in the morning!
![Market in Merida: silversmith stall](https://i0.wp.com/kimopreis.nl/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Markt-Merida-mexico-1024x768.jpg?ssl=1)
![Market Hall Merida: Exterior of the Market Hall](https://i2.wp.com/kimopreis.nl/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Markthal-Merida-1024x768.jpg?ssl=1)
![Market visit Merida Mexico: sidewalk of a market where someone works on shoes and the butcher leans over the counter](https://i2.wp.com/kimopreis.nl/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Markt-bezoeken-Merida-Mexico-1024x768.jpg?ssl=1)
Tip! Check all Mérida tips: including restaurants and day trips.
Not free, but low-budget sleeping in Mérida: Che Nomadas hostel
Che Nomadas hostel in Merida is awesome.
Okay, I’ll explain a little more. Nomadas is a spacious, clean hostel with a very chill vibe. The staff is strict (they don’t want any nuisance in the hostel), but incredibly helpful. This ensures that the people who come here are also chill and relaxed and that it is wonderfully quiet in the evening. The dorms are huge, and the beds are super comfy. I prefer to skip the complimentary breakfast, and I don’t like the yoga class as it’s on pebbles. The pool, however: lovely. Especially after a day of strolling through the city. Almost every day, something is going on, such as a yoga class, cooking class, or live music. I could have easily stayed at Nomadas hostel for a month. Convinced? You can book via Booking.com.
I stayed at Nomadas before it became part of the Che chain. But it looks like nothing has changed except for the name.
![Nomadas Merida pool: view of the pool from above, with pool guests](https://i0.wp.com/kimopreis.nl/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Zwembad-Nomadas-Merida-1024x768.jpg?resize=770%2C578&ssl=1)
More Mexico inspiration?
![blog overview Mexico](https://i0.wp.com/tripunlocked.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Mexico-blog-overview.jpg?resize=770%2C433&ssl=1)
Helpful links for your Mexico trip
- Accommodation. All-time favorite: Booking.com. Find hostels via Hostelworld.
- Activities. You book the best tours and activities with GetYourGuide and Viator. You could also try WithLocals. ‘Free’ walking tours are available at GuruWalk. And for bike tours, try Baja Bikes.
- Attractions and museums. Get a 5% discount on museums and attractions at Tiqets with the coupon code KIMOPREIS22.
- Bus. Book bus trips in Mexico with Busbud or 12Go.
- Car rental. Compare prices at Discover Cars and Rentalcars.com.
- Flights. Compare all your options! Definitely check out Skyscanner, Kiwi, and Trip
- Money. Your debit and credit cards may not get accepted everywhere. You could opt for a Revolut card as an additional card when you travel.
- Package deals. Rather go on a catered trip? You could try CheapOair or Expedia.
- SIM card. Beware of unexpectedly high calling and internet costs. Buy a local SIM card when you arrive, or arrange one online via Airalo.
- Travel guides. I love the practical travel guides from Lonely Planet, buy them at Amazon.
- Visum. Make sure you have the right documentation to travel to Mexico. iVisa can help you out.
- Yoga retreat. Or: try a yoga retreat in Mexico!
Some of the links on this site are affiliate links. If you buy something through these links, I might receive a small commission.
First published: November 2018. The article has been updated since.